Jordan: In his prime, he could beat LeBron, others

FILE - At left is a June 16, 2013 file photo showing LeBron James. At right is an Oct. 2, 2012 file photo showing Michael Jordan. Jordan believes he could beat James in a one-on-one basketball game when he was in his prime. In a video promoting the NBA 2K14 video game that is being released Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, Jordan said there's a long list of players he would've liked to have played one-on-one. (AP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NBA legend Michael Jordan believes he could beat LeBron James in a one-on-one basketball game when he was in his prime.

He’s not sure about Kobe Bryant.

In a video promoting the NBA 2K14 video game that was released Tuesday, Jordan said there’s a long list of players he would’ve liked to have played one-on-one — Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Bryant and James, who dons the cover of this year’s game.

“I don’t think I would lose,” Jordan said in the video, before smiling and adding, “Other than to Kobe Bryant because he steals all of my moves.”

Advertisement

Responded James: “MJ said that?”

James was told of Jordan’s comments after the Miami Heat completed their first training camp practice in the Bahamas on Tuesday, and said that the buzz would serve as good promotion for the game.

“Absolutely, I thought about the matchup,” James said. “But no one would ever see it. It’s not going to happen. But it’s good for people to talk about.”

Jordan was listed as 6-foot-6 and 213 pounds during his prime. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game during his 15 seasons in the NBA.

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and considered by many the greatest basketball player ever, has had a sponsorship deal with 2K Sports since 2011, when he first appeared on the cover of the popular game. James, 6-8, 250 pounds, has averaged 25.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6 assists during his first 10 seasons in the league.

The 50-year-old Jordan, who was a five-time league MVP and is the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, also shared the cover in 2012 with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

This year will be the first time on the cover for James, a four-time league MVP who has led the Heat to back-to-back NBA championships.